Dallas, Texas – The American Airlines Center, typically home to the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, buzzed with an electric atmosphere last Friday night as the Indiana Fever squared off against the Dallas Wings in a riveting WNBA encounter. In a game marked by furious runs and star-studded performances, the Indiana Fever ultimately emerged victorious, they besting the Fever vs Wings clash 94-86.
The air was thick with anticipation, particularly for what was billed as the first professional duel between the last two number one overall WNBA draft picks: Indiana’s sensation Caitlin Clark and Dallas’s rising star Paige Bueckers. However, the basketball gods had other plans, as a left groin injury kept Clark, the reigning Rookie of the Year, on the sidelines for her second consecutive game. While her absence was undoubtedly felt by fans eager for the historic matchup, it paved the way for other talents to seize the spotlight and deliver a memorable contest.
From the opening tip, the Indiana Fever demonstrated their intent, exploding out of the gates with an offensive clinic. Their precision shooting and aggressive drives saw them quickly establish a commanding 22-point lead in the first quarter, leaving the home crowd momentarily stunned. The Fever’s early dominance was fueled by exceptional efficiency, hitting all 11 of their shots from inside the arc in the first quarter and maintaining an impressive 59% shooting percentage for the game.
Leading the charge for the Fever was veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell, who delivered a masterful performance, pouring in a season-high 32 points and dishing out 7 assists. Mitchell’s ability to create her own shot and facilitate for teammates proved instrumental in building Indiana’s early cushion. Alongside her, Aliyah Boston continued to solidify her All-Star credentials, contributing a robust 21 points and grabbing 6 crucial rebounds. Forward Natasha Howard was also a force inside, recording a valuable double-double with 15 points and 13 boards, alongside 3 steals, showcasing her all-around impact. The collective effort and disciplined execution from the Fever’s healthy roster were undeniable.
Yet, the Dallas Wings, despite battling a string of their own significant injuries, refused to wilt under the early pressure. With key players like Maddy Siegrist and Tyasha Harris (knee injuries), and Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselöder (EuroBasket commitments) unavailable, the onus fell heavily on the shoulders of their young phenom, Paige Bueckers. The 2025 No. 1 overall pick responded with a gritty and impressive display, leading the Wings’ charge with a game-high 27 points and 6 assists. Despite a cold start from the field, Bueckers found her rhythm, punctuated by a sensational buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the first half that ignited the Dallas faithful and hinted at a comeback. Veteran guard Arike Ogunbowale added 15 points, trying to keep the Wings within striking distance.
The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Inspired by Bueckers’ brilliance, the Dallas Wings mounted a furious rally, chipping away at the Fever’s seemingly insurmountable lead. The home team showcased immense resilience, even managing to snatch a brief 80-79 lead in the fourth quarter, a testament to their fighting spirit and the vibrant energy of the Dallas crowd. The atmosphere intensified with notable sports figures like the Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving, Cowboys’ Micah Parsons, and recent NBA draftee Cooper Flagg in attendance, adding to the big-game feel.
However, the Indiana Fever, under the guidance of head coach Stephanie White, who notched her 100th career WNBA coaching victory, demonstrated championship poise when it mattered most. After the Wings briefly took the lead, Indiana unleashed a decisive 9-0 run to reclaim control. Aari McDonald’s crucial bucket, breaking an 82-82 tie, sparked the late surge, and the Fever’s defense clamped down, preventing the Wings from scoring a field goal in the final 4:49 of the game.
This victory is a significant one for the Indiana Fever, improving their season record and highlighting their depth and ability to perform under pressure, even without their marquee star. For the Dallas Wings, while the loss stings, the resilience shown and the continued growth of Paige Bueckers offer promising signs for the future as they navigate a challenging injury-plagued season. The WNBA continues to deliver captivating basketball, proving that even with unforeseen setbacks, the talent and competitive fire on display are more than enough to enthral fans.
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